理学(りがく)

りがく
noun
natural science; the physical sciences
1. natural science; the physical sciences
The natural and physical sciences — typically mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science as an academic grouping, distinct from engineering or the humanities.
理学(りがく)部(ぶ)に入(はい)る。
To enter the faculty of science.
彼女(かのじょ)は理学(りがく)博士(はかせ)号(ごう)を持(も)っている。
She holds a doctorate in science.
大学(だいがく)進学(しんがく)の際(さい)、工学(こうがく)と理学(りがく)のどちらにするか迷(まよ)った。
When applying to university, I agonized over whether to choose engineering or science.

Used mainly in academic/institutional names rather than as a stand-alone term in conversation.

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 理学(りがく)部(ぶ): faculty/school of science (at a university)
  • 理学(りがく)博士(はかせ): doctor of science (PhD)
  • 理学(りがく)療法(りょうほう): physical therapy
  • 理学(りがく)療法士(りょうほうし): physical therapist

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 科学(かがく): science — broader, everyday word for 'science' in general
  • 工学(こうがく): engineering — applied/practical, contrasted with 理学(りがく) at universities
  • 自然科学(しぜんかがく): natural sciences — overlaps with 理学(りがく) but more general
general
Added 2026.6.6 13:04
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